Redskins vs. Eagles: Lanier on deck, Everette still inactive

The Washington Redskins have gotten one starter back from last week’s inactive list but are still missing some key players for a very important Monday night matchup against the 5-1 Philadelphia Eagles.

Fortunately, RB Rob Kelley has healed enough from his ankle injury to start but CB Josh Norman and Deshazor Everett are still Out. Safety Stefan McClure is active for the game. This is a good sign because rookie Montae Nicholson is expected to start in Everett’s place and D.J. Swearinger will need the an additional more experienced safety in the defensive backfield. While McClure has only been in the NFL two years, that’s a year more than Nicholson and fellow rookie Joshua Holsey

One player that is usually inactive has suited up, DL Anthony Lanier II, who is active because of the loss of rookie Jonathan Allen who was placed on IR this week.

Kelley being back is potentially huge for Washington.

The Eagles are not only the overall No. 1-ranked team in the league, their rushing defense is ranked No. 1. If the Redskins want a balanced game and any sort of play-action ability — something at which QB Kirk Cousins excels — Kelley getting going will be paramount.

Considering the loss of Allen, Lanier’s availability will be important to defensive linemen Ziggy Hood, Stacy McGee, Terrell McClain and Matt Ioannidis; who need to be spelled during the contest.

With Norman out again, CBs Bashaud Breeland and Quinton Dunbar will need to pick up the slack again.